By LITIA MATHEWSELL As the Lautoka Mill begins crushing today, the Sugar Cane Growers Council is urging farmers to ensure a consistent supply of fresh cane for the maximum benefit of their hard work. Council acting chief executive Sundresh Chetty said harvesting for rail gangs had begun with lorry gangs to start their harvesting today before the commencemnt of the Lautoka Mill. “The upgrading of cane access roads is still ongoing in the sectors for ease of transportation of cane to the mills,” he said. Mr Chetty also noted the desire of growers to see improvement in the rail transportation system and as such, would be looking forward to proper servicing and maintenance of rail trucks and tram lines. Harvesting efforts have also been boosted with assistance from the Fiji Corrections Services, Fifty inmates from the Natabua Corrections Center are helping farmers outside Lautoka with harvesting. Thirty inmates were assigned to Drasa Sector in Naviyago yesterday to help cut and load cane for crushing. Farmer Ravindra Prasad lauded the assistance and quick efforts, saying it had eased their concerns as they faced a shortage of labour. Western Division’s Superintendent of Corrections, Oliver Fisher, said they were pleased to be of help the community and would send 20 more inmates to assist farmers at Vakabula, Lautoka, today.
Inmates from the Natabua Corrections Centre at Drasa Sector in Naviyago outside Lautoka, where they are assisting farmers with harvesting cane as crushing at the Lautoka Mill starts today. Photo:LITIA MATHEWSELL